At the Government Dental College and Hospital in Mumbai, where I pursued my MDS in Orthodontics, there is a striking contrast that I believe encapsulates the larger paradox in India’s healthcare system. As a nation, we eagerly embrace preventive health practices, from yoga to gym routines, yet we remain reluctant to fully commit to dental care. This contradiction has led to staggering consequences: India accounts for 36 percent of the world’s new oral cancer cases annually, and 42 percent of global oral cancer deaths.
A recent report by the World Health Organization paints a grim picture of oral health in India. Nearly half of our children (43.3 percent) suffer from untreated dental caries, and over a quarter of adults (28.8 percent) live with untreated cavities in permanent teeth. Additionally, 21.8 percent of Indian adults suffer from severe periodontal disease. Most concerning is the fact that only 4.5 percent of Indians visit a dentist regularly, compared to the global average of 48 percent.
The Reluctance to Seek Help
The situation is exacerbated by patient behavior. According to a Colgate-Kantar study, 46 percent of Indians experience oral health problems, but only 35 percent take any action. Even among those who do, only 19 percent seek professional consultation, and 11 percent do nothing at all. This reluctance to act stands in stark contrast to the experiences of many patients, who, after overcoming their initial fears, are often surprised by how comfortable and easy modern dental treatments are.
In rural areas, where access to dental care is even more limited, the situation is even more dire. While urban areas have one dentist per 10,000 people, rural areas have just one per 150,000 individuals. This disparity disproportionately affects preventive care, particularly in tobacco-related oral health issues. Tobacco users, whether consuming cigarettes, bidis, or pan, show a 26 percent incidence of yellowing and staining of teeth, compared to just 10 percent among non-users.
IDA’s Vision 2032: A New Approach to Oral Health
The Indian Dental Association’s (IDA) Vision 2032 initiative seeks to address these challenges through a multi-pronged approach. In Mumbai alone, IDA screened 13,004 students, revealing that 63 percent had dental caries, 34 percent had gum disease, and 19 percent had damaged or missing teeth. More alarmingly, 56 percent required basic fillings, and 49 percent needed scaling and polishing — simple preventive measures that could avoid more serious issues down the line.
Modern dentistry has advanced far beyond the outdated image of painful procedures. Today’s practices prioritize patient comfort through cutting-edge technologies such as digital imaging, which enables precise diagnosis without discomfort, and minimally invasive treatments that preserve natural tooth structure. Advances in anesthesia also ensure that modern treatments are virtually pain-free.
Changing Perceptions: From Emergency Care to Wellness
Perhaps the biggest challenge is changing public perception. Just as we have come to view fitness trainers as essential for maintaining overall health, dental professionals should be seen as oral health coaches. Routine dental visits, like regular workouts, are key to preventing problems before they occur. Currently, government health schemes cover only 30 percent of the population for basic dental care, and this must increase to make preventive care accessible to all.
At IDA’s community clinics, a shift in approach is already yielding positive results. Flexible scheduling options make care accessible for working professionals, and affordable preventive services encourage regular check-ups. The focus has moved from treating emergencies to building long-term health partnerships. When patients view their dentist as a partner in wellness rather than just a responder to emergencies, it creates a transformative shift in the oral health landscape.
A Call for Action: Integrating Oral Health into National Wellness
The way forward is clear: India must integrate oral health into its broader healthcare framework. Just as we have adopted preventive measures in other areas of health, we must recognize dental care as an essential component of overall wellness. Routine dental visits should become as normalized as annual health check-ups or gym sessions.
The dental profession has already evolved, and now it is time for public perception to catch up. Modern dentists are not merely problem-solvers; they are partners in preventive healthcare, working to ensure that oral health issues are addressed before they arise. By shifting the way we view dental care, we can radically transform India’s oral health landscape. After all, a healthy smile is not just about aesthetics—it is a crucial component of a healthy life.
Related topics:
Woman Left with Six Teeth After Decades of Undiagnosed Gum Disease
Brighten Your Smile Before the Holidays with These Popular Whitening Strips
Revolutionizing Dentistry with Invisalign Smile Architect: A Minimally Invasive Approach
